Background: Identifying possible influencing factors is crucial for the depression symptoms of
women experiencing infertility. This study aims to explore the association between
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the odds of depression symptoms in women
experiencing infertility. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on the National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). PUFA intake was obtained through a 24-h dietary
recall interview. Depression symptoms were defined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9
(PHQ-9) with a score of ≥10 points or as taking antidepressants. The association between
PUFA and depression was assessed using a logistic regression model by calculating the odds
ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis was carried out based on menopausal status and female hormone use. Results: There were 725 participants included for
analysis. After adjusting the covariables, lower odds of depression symptoms were found in
patients with the intake of omega-3 PUFA (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24-0.96) and omega-6 PUFA
(OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.14-0.42) in the second tertile (T2) in comparison to the first tertile (T1).
The intake of α-linolenic (ALA) (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.23-0.97) and linoleic acid (OR = 0.24,
95% CI: 0.14-0.41) in T2 was also found to be related to the reduced odds of depression
symptoms in comparison to T1. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a potential association
between moderate omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA intake and a reduced risk of depression
symptoms in women experiencing infertility. This implies that clinicians might find it useful to
consider dietary advice that includes PUFA-rich foods as part of a broader strategy to address
mental health in this patient group. However, further research is needed to confirm these
preliminary findings and to establish the optimal levels of PUFA intake for mental health
benefits.
Front Psychiatry, 2024, 2024 Jul 2;15:1345815. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1345815